Gives us Less not More, Business Chief will Tell Government

26 April 2006

Too much Government interference in business is stifling economic growth, an employers' leader will say today. Miles Templeman, Director General of the Institute of Directors (IoD), is expected to say the tendency for politicians to associate strong leadership with micro management was not a view held by successful business leaders. 

Addressing an audience of  2,500 top UK directors in Central London, Mr Templeman, will say:

"For far too long the Government has been fixated with the idea that leadership is about interfering in the day-to-day activities of business.  They seem to equate doing more as a sign of strong leadership - it's not!  Government should be about less interference, less bureaucracy and less regulation, and many people fear that if Gordon Brown takes over, it will be even worse."

Good leadership, Mr Templeman will continue, was about listening as well as acting, pointing out that the best chief executives were not only charismatic leaders, but also counsellors and coaches, who encouraged feedback from colleagues.

In his speech to the IoD's Annual Convention, the Director General will also pour scorn on EU leaders for failing to cope with a rapidly changing world.

"Dealing with change is clearly a big part of good leadership.  Simply managing the status quo can never be adequate.  Too many European leaders are providing a classic illustration of a failure to embrace change.  The EU has an ageing population, a low birth rate and lacklustre economic growth. We need a humble EU leadership that avoids grand political projects and focuses instead on initiating economic change," he said.

Mr Templeman will refer to the achievements of other speakers at the day-long event including Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft and Todd Stitzer of Cadbury Schweppes as examples of what good leadership can achieve.

In a final note of caution, and drawing on his own experience, Mr Templeman will say bold targets are always needed by organisations but leaders should be wary of over-ambitious and unrealistic visions.